2026 Los Angeles Korean Festival: Dates, Location, and What Visitors Can Expect

Every fall, Koreatown turns into the largest Korean cultural celebration outside of Korea, and 2026 is no exception. The Los Angeles Korean Festival returns for its 53rd edition, bringing four days of food, music, and tradition to the heart of the city. Whether you are a longtime Koreatown local or planning your first visit, here is everything you need to know before you go.

When Is the LA Korean Festival 2026?

The 2026 Los Angeles Korean Festival runs from Thursday, October 1 through Sunday, October 4, 2026. Gates are open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., giving visitors a full twelve hours each day to explore the grounds, catch a performance, or simply wander through the food stalls.

Is the Festival Free to Attend?

Yes. The LA Korean Festival is completely free and open to the public throughout all festival hours. There is no admission ticket required to enter the grounds, which is part of what makes it one of the most accessible cultural events in Los Angeles each year. Some individual add-ons, such as raffle entries or specific vendor purchases, may carry their own cost, but general entry is free.

Where Is the LA Korean Festival Held?

The festival takes place at Seoul International Park, located at the corner of Normandie and Olympic Boulevard in the Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles. The park sits at the symbolic center of the community the festival was created to celebrate, and it has hosted the event for decades.

Parking and Getting There

Street parking around Seoul International Park is limited during festival weekend, so organizers recommend planning ahead. Designated parking lots with shuttle service are typically made available closer to the event, and updated parking details are posted on the festival’s official site as the date approaches. For visitors who prefer not to drive, several bus and rail lines run through Koreatown throughout the day, making public transit a convenient alternative. Checking the official transit schedule shortly before the festival is worthwhile, since routes and timing can shift from year to year.

What Can Visitors Expect at the 2026 Festival?

The festival is built around three pillars: food, culture, and performance. Expect close to a hundred vendor booths offering Korean street food staples like tteokbokki, hotteok, grilled skewers, and bingsu, alongside K-beauty products, artisan goods, and hands-on cultural experiences such as hanbok try-ons and Korean calligraphy. A stage program runs throughout the weekend, featuring traditional dance, drumming, and contemporary K-pop-style performances, with a schedule published closer to the event. Photo zones, exhibitions, and family-friendly activities round out the grounds, making it an event suited to all ages. Note that pets are not permitted inside the gated field area near the main stage, though service animals are allowed.

A Tradition Rooted in Koreatown’s History

The Los Angeles Korean Festival traces its roots back to the early 1970s, when community leaders launched it as a way to preserve Korean heritage within a rapidly diversifying city. More than five decades later, it has grown into an annual fall tradition that draws visitors from across Southern California and beyond, anchoring Koreatown’s identity as a cultural hub. The event is organized by the Los Angeles Korean Festival Foundation, with additional opportunities each year for vendors, sponsors, performers, and volunteers who want to take part.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the 2026 LA Korean Festival?

It takes place October 1 through October 4, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day.

Does it cost anything to attend?

No. Entry is free for the entire public during all festival hours.

Where exactly is the festival located?

Seoul International Park, at Normandie and Olympic Boulevard in Koreatown, Los Angeles.

Can I bring my pet?

Pets are not allowed in the gated field area near the stage; only service animals are permitted there.

How can I become a vendor or performer?

Applications open ahead of the festival through the official vendor and performance pages, with deadlines announced on the festival website.

Planning Your Visit

With free admission, four full days of programming, and a location that is easy to reach by transit, the 2026 LA Korean Festival is shaping up to be one of the most welcoming ways to experience Korean culture in the United States. Whether the draw is the food, the performances, or simply the atmosphere of Koreatown at its liveliest, marking October 1-4 on the calendar is a good place to start.